Extracts of sweet wormwood have been used for more than 2000 years in traditional Chinese herbal medicine as a cooling herb for fevers, a typical symptom of viral infections. Also known in Chinese as huang hua hao (modern) or qing hao (ancient), communities around the world use the plant as a medicinal tea for infectious microbial and viral diseases, especially malaria. It is also used in the treatment of jaundice, bacterial dysentery and in the treatment of wounds and haemorrhoids. 

The 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Professor Youyou Tu for her key contributions to the discovery of the sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin, a constituent of sweet wormwood. Artemisinin, and various semisynthetic derivatives of it, are among the most widely used malaria drugs in the world. It is a potent antimalarial that has significantly reduced the mortality rates for patients suffering from malaria. Tu searched ancient literature on herbal medicine in her quest to develop novel malaria therapies. The plant sweet wormwood turned out to be an interesting candidate and Tu developed a purification procedure which rendered the active agent, artemisinin, a drug that is remarkably effective against malaria. A clinical trial showed that a decoction of sweet wormwood effectively eliminated symptoms, and dramatically lowered parasite burden, in adults with chronic malaria with cure rates on average of 74% despite providing far lower levels of artemisinin than are used as an isolated drug. This suggests there is more to sweet wormwood than just artemisinin. The issue with isolating artemisinin is that the drug created is financially beyond the reach of most people suffering from malaria and the drug also raises the probability of generating drug resistance. Ongoing work is needed to identify all the synergistic compounds in sweet wormwood. 

In relation to this a 2021 in vitro study found that sweet wormwood extracts inhibited SARS-CoV-2 (the infectious substance of COVID-19) infection, and the active component(s) in the extracts is likely something besides artemisinin, or a combination of components that block virus infection at a step downstream of virus entry. In a 2023 in vitro study by some of the same researchers, sweet wormwood tea infusions continued to show efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and its rapidly evolving variants including omicron. They urged testing of sweet wormwood to treat COVID-19 in clinical trials sooner rather than later. 

References

Kim WS, Choi WJ, Lee S, Kim WJ, Lee DC, Sohn UD, Shin HS, Kim W. Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Artemisinin Extracts from Artemisia annua L. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2015 Jan;19(1):21-7. doi: 10.4196/kjpp.2015.19.1.21. Epub 2014 Dec 31. PMID: 25605993; PMCID: PMC4297758.

Nair MS, Huang Y, Fidock DA, Polyak SJ, Wagoner J, Towler MJ, Weathers PJ. Artemisia annua L. extracts inhibit the in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2 and two of its variants. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Jun 28;274:114016. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114016. Epub 2021 Mar 12. PMID: 33716085; PMCID: PMC7952131.

Ekiert H, Świątkowska J, Klin P, Rzepiela A, Szopa A. Artemisia annua - Importance in Traditional Medicine and Current State of Knowledge on the Chemistry, Biological Activity and Possible Applications. Planta Med. 2021 Jul;87(8):584-599. doi: 10.1055/a-1345-9528. Epub 2021 Jan 22. PMID: 33482666.

Mueller MS, Runyambo N, Wagner I, Borrmann S, Dietz K, Heide L. Randomized controlled trial of a traditional preparation of Artemisia annua L. (Annual Wormwood) in the treatment of malaria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2004 May;98(5):318-21.

Yarnell E. Synergy in Herbal Medicines: Part 1. Journal of Restorative Medicine.2015 Dec 1;4(1):60-73

Nair MS, Huang Y, Fidock DA, Polyak SJ, Wagoner J, Towler MJ, Weathers PJ. Artemisia annua L. extracts inhibit the in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2 and two of its variants. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Jun 28;274:114016. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114016. Epub 2021 Mar 12. PMID: 33716085; PMCID: PMC7952131.

Nair MS, Huang Y, Wang M, Weathers PJ. SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants are susceptible in vitro to Artemisia annua hot water extracts. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023 May 23;308:116291. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116291. Epub 2023 Feb 18. PMID: 36804200; PMCID: PMC9937997.

In the Ayurvedic tradition hemidesmus is a popular, refreshing, naturally sweet fragrant tea commonly used daily as a healthy drink to promote vitality. Traditionally it is used for cooling (good for menopausal hot flushing), blood cleansing (acne), detoxing (diaphoretic (for fever) and diuretic (for urinary disease) via sweat and urine), diarrhoea (it has been suggested the water (not ethanolic) extract could be used as a supplement for oral rehydration therapy), infections, wounds and rashes, diabetes, gout, bad breath and to promote relaxation before bed. It is said to be rich in antioxidants potentiating immunity. Women in rural Sri Lanka use hemidesmus root (where it is known as iramusu) to reduce the possibility of a miscarriage, to promote a healthy pregnancy and for post-partum recovery, and it is used in arthritis which is very common due to all the hard work in the rice fields. Hemidesmus has a traditional reputation for use in treating snake bites and the plant can neutralise venom in vitro. Constituents isolated from the root have also been shown to neutralise viper and cobra venom in vitro however there are no human trials, and the plant is not recommended as an alternative to antivenom.

In stark contrast, in Western herbal medicine the root of hemidesmus, commonly known as Indian sarsaparilla, is regarded as immunosuppressive and it is advised that this plant be avoided in acute conditions because it could dampen the immune response. It is indicated in instances where the immune system is overactive and thus it is prescribed for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and asthma where it is said to work well with low dose echinacea. Perhaps misguided, this Western understanding of hemidesmus appears to be based on preclinical evidence from a 1986 preliminary screening of immunomodulating agents of plant origin, as most modern texts reference this almost 40-year-old study. In the in vivo study the effect of an ethanolic extract of hemidesmus was tested for immune responses after being fed to mice injected with sheep red blood cells (used as an antigen to study immune competence). Hemidesmus was found to suppress cell mediated and humoral components of the immune system in the mice. However, it should be noted that, while promising, animal studies cannot be extrapolated to human use and human clinical trials are needed. Converse to this, in a more recent study (2018), hemidesmus exhibited direct immunostimulatory activity on immune system cells indicating that it could induce immunogenic cell death in human tumour cells, thus suggesting its potential relevance in cancer immunotherapy protocols. No human clinical trials, immune or otherwise, could be located by the author. Perhaps this herb is another case where disregard for the traditional use of a plant has possibly hindered modern scientific attempts to understand it? It is worth noting that the traditional Ayurvedic uses of hemidesmus are reflective of its extraction process and may not directly correspond with ethanol-based extracts used in Western herbal medicine.

In her 2020 book, Advanced Clinical Medicine, experienced naturopathic clinician Leah Hechtman (via naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood who wrote the miscarriage chapter) echoes the rural Sri Lankan women’s traditional use suggesting hemidesmus may be of benefit in autoimmune mediated miscarriage cases. According to the references this is based on the 1986 study above. “In a series of tests, oral administration of ethanol extract of hemidesmus decreased both the cell-mediated and the humoral components of the immune system in mice. In the context of miscarriage cases, this activity would be of benefit in autoimmune-mediated miscarriage cases.” 

References

Compendium of Medicinal Plants A Sri Lankan study. Volume 1. Department of Ayurveda, 2004. p. 104.

Priyantha KM. Know your herbs Iramusu (Hemidesmus Indicus). [Internet]. [Updated 13 Jan 2020]. Available from http://www.dailymirror.lk/medicine/Know-your-herbs-Iramusu-Hemidesmus-Indicus/308-181162

Nandy S, Mukherjee A, Pandey DK, Ray P, Dey A. Indian Sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus): Recent progress in research on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 May 23;254:112609. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112609. Epub 2020 Jan 30. PMID: 3200763

Das S, Bisht SS. The bioactive and therapeutic potential of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. (Indian Sarsaparilla) root. Phytother Res. 2013 Jun;27(6):791-801. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4788. Epub 2012 Aug 8. PMID: 22887725.

Turrini E, Catanzaro E, Muraro MG, Governa V, Trella E, Mele V, Calcabrini C, Morroni F, Sita G, Hrelia P, Tacchini M, Fimognari C. Hemidesmus indicus induces immunogenic death in human colorectal cancer cells. Oncotarget. 2018 May 11;9(36):24443-24456. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.25325. PMID: 29849952; PMCID: PMC5966270.

Sarris J, Wardle J. Clinical Naturopathy. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier:Sydney. 2010. p472.

Hechtman L. Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. Sydney:Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. 2012. p.349,600,610

Atal CK, Sharma ML, Kaul A, Khajuria A. Immunomodulating agents of plant origin. I: Preliminary screening. J Ethnopharmacol. 1986;18(2):133-141. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(86)90025-5

Johnson TL, Fahey JW. Black cohosh: coming full circle?. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;141(3):775-779. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2012.03.050

Hechtman L. Advanced Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. Elsevier Australia:Chatswood. 2020. p. 375

A clinical trial on Bacopa monnieri extract, published in February this year, revealed significant enhancements in emotional and cognitive well-being among healthy adults. The Indian researchers claimed this is the most comprehensive study ever done on bacopa with extensive measures on memory, cognitive skills, anxiety, sleep, biomarkers and acute effects. They concluded that “our battery of cognitive functions test results shows that [bacopa] improves cognitive health, promotes concentration as early as three hours post dose on day one, increases overall memory, mental alertness, reasoning skills, mental flexibility, [brain-derived neurotrophic factor] BDNF [a key molecule involved in plastic changes related to learning and memory] levels, sleep quality and reduces anxiety and serum cortisol.”

Age-related cognitive decline substantially affects quality of life and freedom during old age. Cognitive functions such as memory, attention, language and executive functions are essential for day-to-day activities. They start declining gradually in the late 20s and this is further accelerated in the case of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Early interventions have been shown to help maintain normal and healthy cognitive aging. Cognitive enhancers, also known as nootropics, are prescribed to improve cognitive performance in elderly individuals and those with dementia. However, nootropics are increasingly being used by healthy people seeking to improve their attention, memory, focus, concentration and alertness. Students use nootropics to boost attention, increase alertness and to stay awake for an extended period. Bacopa, also known as brahmi, is a brain tonic and adaptogen known for its memory-enhancing properties and is widely used to improve cognitive functions.

In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study 38 people took bacopa and 36 people were in the placebo group. They consumed either 300mg of a commercial bacopa extract or placebo every morning after breakfast for 12 weeks. The bacopa group showed significant improvements in both memory (verbal short-term memory, spatial short-term memory, working memory, visuospatial working memory and episodic memory) and cognition skills (concentration, alertness, reasoning and mental flexibility) over placebo from baseline to day 84, with effects on cognitive skills as early as day 14 and day 28 for memory. A significant acute effect on concentration was observed as early as three hours post single dose consumption of bacopa. Anxiety scores and sleep quality were also significantly improved for the bacopa group on days 28, 56 and 84 as compared to placebo. Serum cortisol levels were significantly reduced from baseline to day 56 and 84, whereas serum BDNF was significantly increased on day 84 for the bacopa group compared to placebo. 

References

Eraiah MM, Shekhar HC, Joshua L, Thomas JV. Effect of Bacopa monnieri Extract on Memory and Cognitive Skills in Adult Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. J Psychiatry Cogn Behav. 2024;8:168. https://doi.org/10.29011/2574-7762.000068

With a lemony fragrant scent, agrimony has relaxing and calming qualities along with a gentle bitterness and astringency that makes it helpful for toning tissues that have become too relaxed or inflamed. UK herbalist Lucy Jones describes the energetics of agrimony as encouraging “us to reset the balance between tension and relaxation in our bodies.” She says it is for patients who ‘put on a brave face’, ‘hide their worries behind a happy countenance’ and who drive their tension deep inside their body, so that the surface seems relaxed and calm. “This is the classic British ‘stiff-upper-lip’ syndrome. We do not want to bother someone else with our troubles and prefer to keep up a pretence of all being well. This dual reality sets up a lot of tension in the body, so much so that a release valve can be needed. Often this is achieved by the person falling prey to addictive behaviours, such as excessive drug taking or alcohol consumption, or thrill-seeking behaviour patterns such as driving too fast…" Agrimony people “like partying hard” and are addicted to activities that “get their adrenaline flowing”, she says.  

However, agrimony is most often prescribed as a hepatic herb recommended for chronic liver disease, inflammation of the gallbladder and to increase the secretion of the bile in general. Its astringency has led to its use traditionally as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing herb. It is a good choice for a mouthwash for inflamed gums and a gargle for a sore throat. Adding an antispasmodic action to this means it can be helpful in cases of diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome. Another attribute is its use as a relaxing diuretic to support the urinary system in cases of cystitis, urinary stones and incontinence. Jones says “agrimony is one of those herbs that is a medicine chest in itself…It surprises me that it is not prescribed more widely by herbalists…” 

 The late matriarch of Australian herbal medicine, Dorothy Hall, concurs saying of agrimony: “all the great herbalists mention this plant: all agree on its major uses. This in itself is rare, but the plant was mostly prescribed then on its own as a ‘simple’ [the use of one herb at a time].” In his eponymous book, Weiss’s Herbal Medicine, the author points out in the chapter on Diseases of the Liver and Biliary Tract that “real success will only be achieved if [agrimony] is used consistently for some time.” Weiss ranks agrimony as a tonic bitter that is a “gentle antidiarrhoeic drug.” It is said to be especially useful in children with irritations and infections in the intestinal tract.

References

Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary. Aeon Books:Glasgow. 2023. p40-3

Jones L. A Working Herbal Dispensary. Aeon Books:Glasgow. 2023. p40-3

Hall D. Dorothy Hall’s Herbal Medicine. Sydney:Lothian. 1988. p. 78, 314.

Weiss R. Herbal Medicine.Stuttgart: Thieme, 2001. p. 93

Aloes is a tall, single stemmed plant with a rosette crown of thick and fleshy succulent leaves and striking orange-red flowers that make it a standout specimen along the south-central regions of southern Africa, where it originated. It is widely distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics where it is grown as an ornamental and medicinal plant valued for its colourless leaf 'gel' and bitter brown leaf exudate. 

Aloes leaf exudate was first exported from South Africa in 1761. The centuries-old local tradition of sustainably gathering leaves for this purpose continues in South Africa today. Around 200 to 300 mature leaves are removed from the plants, without harming or destroying them, and stacked around a central well. This usually happens during the rainy season because the exudate is more abundant. The pungent brown exudate drips from the cut surface of the leaves into the well. The leaves are usually cut in the morning and extraction takes about six hours. The exudate is then dried to yield a dark, glossy crystalline mass. Full time aloe harvesters tap and drain the leaves and are commonly referred to as ‘tappers’. Age-old, indigenous, responsible harvesting knowledge, practices and skills have been passed down over generations as a family custom that has changed little over time. 

Aloes is made from the yellow sap or latex found in specialised cells in the margins of the leaves beneath the thick leaf epidermis and the gel of the leaf, which is extracted and dried to make a dark crystalline substance. The word “Aloes” in pharmacopoeias and formularies refers to this herbal substance derived from the dried leaf juice. This has always created confusion due to the fact that the leaves are the source of two products “aloe dried juice” and “aloe gel”, which are quite different in their chemical composition and their therapeutic properties. Aloes is mainly used for its anthraquinone laxative effect. It should be administered for constipation in small doses, for limited periods, due to its side effects and habituating potential. The purgative effects of the dark sap are attributed to the action of reducing water reabsorption into the intestine and by directly stimulating the smooth muscle of the gut. It is recommended to consume it with carminative herbs, such as fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), angelica (Angelica archangelica) or ginger (Zingiber officinale), to prevent intestinal cramping and griping pain. Results can take 12 to 18 hours following consumption. Therefore, it should be consumed early in the evening to obtain results the following morning. 

References

Bhaludra CSS, Bethapudi RR, Murugulla AC, Pullagummi C, Latha T, Venkatesh K, et al. Cultivation, Phytochemical Studies, Biological Activities and Medicinal Uses of Aloe ferox, Grandfather of Aloes an Important Amazing Medicinal Plant. International Journal of Pharmacology. 2013;9: 405-415.

Aloe ferox Mill. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Plants of the World Online. (accessed Feb 23 2024). Available from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:529449-1/general-information

Steenkamp V, Stewart MJ. Medicinal Applications and Toxicological Activities of Aloe. Products, Pharmaceutical Biology. 2007;45:5, 411-420, DOI: 10.1080/13880200701215307

Assessment report on Aloe barbadensis Mill. and on Aloe (various species, mainly Aloe
ferox Mill. and its hybrids), folii succus siccatus. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Europaean Medicines Agency Science Medicines Health (updated 22 Nov 2016; accessed 25 Jan 2024). Available from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-aloe-barbadensis-mill-and-aloe-various-species-mainly-aloe-ferox-mill-and-its-hybrids-folii-succus-siccatus_en.pdf

Juniper is a small evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family, with a strong aromatic scent, which makes an attractive ornamental for landscaping. Its “berries” aren’t technically berries at all but are actually seed cones whose fleshy scales merge to create the impression of a smooth, unified surface. The term juniper berry however has become widely accepted. Martini lovers will know juniper berries as being the main flavouring component of gin and they must be lightly crushed and distilled to release the “piney, citrusy, turpentiney flavour” so central to the spirit’s taste. They are also used as a seasoning to enliven game, marinades, poultry and sauerkraut. 

Juniper berries stimulate the functions of the kidney and bladder, making an excellent antiseptic and diuretic for urinary conditions such as cystitis. This diuretic action explains juniper’s traditional use in high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and premenstrual fluid retention. Its bitter action aids digestion and flatulence and stimulates the appetite. Juniper can also assist with rheumatism and arthritis as well as easing the pain in joints and muscles when applied externally. 

Likening the juniper person picture to Santa Claus, herbalist extraordinaire, the late Dorothy Hall, said juniper people are defined by fluid retention: “’Fat and jolly’ may be the personality-summation; a hearty, jovial, fun-loving person who is not only expansive by nature but also by the waistline! Falstaff, Shakespeare’s wine-bibbing, red-faced rotund declaimer of stories and fun, was a classic ‘Juniper’. In later life, dropsy [oedema] would follow.” 

References

O’Connell J. The Book of Spice. Profile Books:London. 2015 p.130

Hoffman D. The New Holistic Herbal. Melbourne:Element. 1990.p. 209

Hall D. Dorothy Hall’s Herbal Medicine. Sydney:Lothian. 1988. p. 207 

Liquorice root extract has been shown to accelerate the healing process of skin injury caused by second-degree burns. Burns, one of the most common injuries worldwide, are caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, friction and radioactive materials and damage the skin, muscles or other tissues. The degree of burn is determined by the involvement of different layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis or the lower areas of the skin including muscles, tendons and bones. In this recent study second-degree burns, which damage the epidermis and the dermis, were examined. The Iranian researchers thought liquorice could be effective in treating burn wounds because of its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and lightening effects.

In the double-blinded randomised clinical trial, 50 patients with second-degree burns were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group received hydrogel (jelly) containing liquorice root hydroalcoholic extract and the control group received hydrogel without the extract. Hydrogel is a water-based substance with a soft consistency and moisturising properties, making it a valuable tool for promoting wound care. The patients in both groups used the medication topically, twice a day, for 15 days without dressing. During this period the wound-healing process was evaluated on days 1, 3, 6, 10 and 15. The majority of burns were caused by hot liquids, followed by fire, electricity and hot materials. Most of the burns were located on the hands with others on the feet, chest, head and abdomen.

The rate of inflammation (from the 3rd day to the 10th day), redness (from the 6th day to the 15th day), pain (on the 3rd day), and burning (from the 3rd day to the 15th day) of the wound in the group that used the liquorice hydrogel was significantly lower than in the control group, and the healing process was significantly faster than the control group. The researchers concluded that based on the findings, the hydroalcoholic extract of liquorice root can accelerate the healing process of wounds caused by second-degree burns and can be considered a complementary treatment for mild and moderate burns. 

References

Zabihi M, Hatefi B, Ardakani ME, Ranjbar AM, Mohammadi F. Impact of licorice root on the burn healing process: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2023 May;73:102941. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102941. Epub 2023 Mar 2. PMID: 36870516.

With a chocolate riddled Easter almost upon us, and the excess of Christmas not long gone, the problem of superfluous flesh, and how to remove it, may be the current concern of a great many people. This is illustrated by the soaring popularity of the prescription-only diabetes drug, Ozempic (semaglutide), after being hailed as a weight loss solution by celebrities and social media influencers. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), who regulates Australia’s medicines, recently announced that Ozempic, now a household name like Jenny Craig in the 80s, should not be given to new patients amid a worldwide shortage. Ozempic is only approved by the TGA for lowering blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes however it is being prescribed, controversially, ‘off-label’ by medical practitioners to treat conditions other than those approved by the TGA, such as weight loss and the management of obesity. 

Nowadays, obesity is a pandemic and some people seek slimming solutions to guarantee their health and quality of life. However, the cult of the healthy body has been an ongoing concern since the beginning of time. In an effort to discover more we dug deep into the library of our founder, Lyndsay Shume and it would seem not much has changed in the natural dieting world in almost 60 years – improving health may seem simple but it remains a quixotic task for many. We found a “Help” article titled “How to Reduce Without Misery” from the Health from Herbs magazine published in the United Kingdom in January-February 1968. The magazine was founded in 1864 and claimed to be the “world’s oldest herbal magazine” at the time. 

“Excessive stoutness can be reduced provided the patient is willing to make an effort and use commonsense…The fat-forming foods are: Bread, all cereals, sugar, sweet foods, fats, milk and butter. You do need these, but reduce them a little. Eat plenty of vegetables and take more exercise. Also use this formula [adapted from a tea recipe]…used by herbalists for centuries to reduce stoutness…”

Herbal Formula 210mL

Bladderwrack 1:1 (Fuscus vesiculosus) 80mL

Clivers 1:1 (Galium aparine) 80mL

Motherwort 1:1 (Leonurus cardiaca) 30mL

Senna Pods 1:1 (Senna alexandrina) 20mL - if required. If not increase Motherwort to 50mL.

Directions: 5mL TDS after meals. 

References

About the Ozempic (semaglutide) shortage 2022 and 2023. (updated 21 Sept 2023; accessed 19 Feb 2024). Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Therapeutic Goods Administration. Available from https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages/information-about-major-medicine-shortages/about-ozempic-semaglutide-shortage-2022-and-2023

Zarzo I, Boselli PM, Soriano JM. History of Slimming Diets up to the Late 1950s. Obesities. 2022; 2(2):115-126. https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities2020011

How to reduce without misery. Health From Herbs. Jan-Feb 1968;3(15):45

From the Leguminosae (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae), or legume, pea or bean family, albizia is native to tropical southern Asia and is widely distributed in Australia, Asia, Africa and Southern America. Commonly known as raintree, siris or Indian siris it is a large, fast growing, deciduous tree with highly scented white flowers in fluffy clusters and flat, thin, light brown pods which rattle in the wind when they brush together. Albizia grows to an average height of 25 metres and for this reason it is widely planted as an impressive shade tree around homesteads. 

Albizia is Ayurveda’s top anti-allergy herb which has been used for centuries for respiratory conditions, including hayfever and asthma, and allergic skin complaints such as eczema and hives. Despite its long use albizia has not been well studied in clinical trials however there is enough evidence to suggest it is an effective medicine, particularly for allergic conditions. Preclinical scientific evidence helps support the traditional use of albizia in inflammation. In one study the alcoholic extract of albizia has been reported to modulate histamine release which plays a major role in allergic diseases. 

In one single blind study 81 participants with asthma were given 50mL of albizia decoction three times daily for six weeks, supported by a light diet. At six weeks there was a significant increase in lung function and a decrease in total leucocyte count (which indicates infection), eosinophil count (which can indicate a parasitic infection, allergy or cancer) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (helps detect inflammation in the body). Of the 50 participants who completed the trial more than half reported symptom reduction. 

References

Albizia lebbeck. James Cook University Australia c1995-2024. (accessed 13 Feb 2024). Available from https://www.jcu.edu.au/discover-nature-at-jcu/plants/plants-by-scientific-name2/albizia-lebbeck

Keighery GJ. The status of Albizia lebbeck (Fabaceae:Mimosoideae) in Western Australia. Nuytsia —The journal of the Western Australian Herbarium.7 July 2022;33:143-146.

Nurul IM, Mizuguchi H, Shahriar M, Venkatesh P, Maeyama K, Mukherjee PK, Hattori M, Choudhuri MS, Takeda N, Fukui H. Albizia lebbeck suppresses histamine signaling by the inhibition of histamine H1 receptor and histidine decarboxylase gene transcriptions. Int Immunopharmacol. 2011 Nov;11(11):1766-72. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2011.07.003. Epub 2011 Jul 21. PMID: 21782040.

Venkatesh P, Mukherjee PK, Kumar NS, Bandyopadhyay A, Fukui H, Mizuguchi H, Islam N. Anti-allergic activity of standardized extract of Albizia lebbeck with reference to catechin as a phytomarker. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2010 Jun;32(2):272-6. doi: 10.3109/08923970903305481. PMID: 20109037.

Kumar S, Bansal P, Gupta V, Sannd R, Rao MM. The Clinical Effect of Albizia lebbeck Stem Bark Decoction on Bronchial Asthma. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research. 2010;2(1):48–50.